SafeTec’s Safety Blog – Safety Articles and information on the lightweight and portable X-Decks, work platforms, scaffolding, ladders, aerial lifts, and scissor lifts.
I recently had the privileged of watching the X-Deck in use in a locked high radiation area at a nuclear plant in Florida. The original plan was to build a 6ft scaffold in an area that had been putting out high radiation. The scaffold builders had already practiced building the scaffold outside so they knew they had the hundreds of components they needed to build the scaffold. The original plan was for 4 guys to enter the room and spend an hour and fifteen minutes building the scaffold and making is seismic.
Then they decided to use their X-Deck. The lightweight, safety award winning, pop open, safety work platform.
Now only the X-Deck and the 4 handrails needed to be brought into the LHRA. Two men went into the LHRA and a third man stayed outside the room and fed them one by one the 4 handrails. The RP stayed outside the room and told the scaffold builders to stay away from certain hot spots. It ended up being a massive success. The total job only took eight minutes.
Here is the detailed breakdown from the work order:
Total dose for scaffold ( X-Deck) installed the LHRA Equipment Tank Room
MS = 6.3 Mrem
RP = 3.0 mrem
Total Job 9.3
Regular scaffold install > 100 mrem (estimated )
Break down of install
2 mins to erect deck and Handrails
6 mins to make X-Deck Seismic compliant
Total install time 8 minutes
For any information on the X-Deck Nuclear Edition models – Please contact us.
I understand that companies nowadays have been putting more focus on safe work practices by putting employees, especially those in more dangerous work environments, through a number of safety courses to ensure the employees are practicing safe work procedures that provide a safer work environment for everyone leading to less injuries in the work place.
However, one may need to ask themselves….are companies really looking out for the workers best interest or that of their own? By training employees with the correct way to perform a job they may be lowering the possibility of the worker getting hurt, however, with the injury of a worker comes a lot of other expenses…almost all on the companies behalf.
According to OSHA, It has been estimated that employers pay almost $1 billion per week for direct workers’ compensation costs alone. The obvious direct costs being having to pay workmans’ compensation, legal and medical expenses while the indirect costs such as hiring and re-training, implementing corrective measures, and production downtime can be just as expensive as the direct costs.
Also according to OSHA statistics (2012), the claims costs for falls by roofers and carpenters are more costly than other falls. However, using equipment such as ladders and unsafe scaffolds seem to be a never ending trend as they are seen as cheap options, especially when their are safer alternatives in todays day and age. This number is alarmingly increasing and putting a large enough dent in some companies pockets to the point that they are now beginning to ban the use of simple unsafe equipment such as the ladder, a basic piece of equipment used since the stone age.
Here is some food for thought….every time a worker uses a piece of equipment on the work site such as a ladder, scaffold, mobile elevated platforms, stepladders, etc., are the conditions of the environment and the equipment always ideal for safety of the worker? Are safety coordinators and equipment inspections prone to human error leaving the worker vulnerable from the start? How does a company truly look out for their workers as well as that of their own?
As time goes on and technology advances, there will always be equipment that is safer than their last version. However, finding the correct piece of equipment that is known to not only minimize risk and injury, but also not require ridiculous paperwork and out of pocket expenses is the ultimate goal of any company. Companies need to take more notice to market trends, not only in the newest, cheapest, equipment but also the alarming increase of injuries using traditional work methods. Sometimes the true key to reducing employee injuries and company expenses is paying more up front for a safer product. Although the upfront cost may be a few times more expensive than traditional equipment, the price you pay in the long run will ultimately keep dollars in the companies pocket.
I have been in the safety management role a little over 10 years now and as I am sure many of you know, everyone’s idea of “safety” has varying degrees.
While the safety of workers is a main concern for many companies, how they go about achieving maximum safety with the equipment being used comes down to a simple comparison of the equipment’s features and the application they are looking to accomplish,
As most companies tend to you standard ladders, stands, and platforms from Little Giant, Cotterman, and AllMetal, sometimes working with basic safety equipment isn’t always the safest route to go, or the most practical.
One of the biggest mistakes a company can make with their equipment is going with the cheaper options that provide the workers with the bare minimum. Aside from the possibility of slipping and falling, using a ladder that a worker must set up on uneven ground, walk up, and have a 3 – 5 foot area of reach that requires them to constantly stretch to maximum their reach and then move the ladder along the work area can be expensive, time consuming, and has a high risk of injury (Werner).
So what is the best option that provides maximum safety, stability, and productivity?
A piece of equipment that was recently brought to my attention at a Safety Trade Show from a company out of Bardstown, Kentucky is the X-Deck. The X-Deck was specifically designed to address all of the issues mentioned above – safety being the biggest feature. I will briefly highlight some of the ways the X-Deck is able to maximize productivity in the work place, reduce risk of injury, and offer a convenient option that pays for itself in the long run.
The X-Deck is described as an “always assembled scaffold” that is ready for set up right out of the box and takes no longer than sliding out a pin, choosing the desired height, then securing the pin back in place – our shop workers are able to set it up in under 20 seconds.
With safety equipment comes the need for OSHA compliancy which usually comes with inspection, paperwork, and more paperwork. However, the X-Deck is OSHA compliant right from the start – requiring none of the usual processes to certify safety equipment.
In Maine, a small sign and digital graphics company that does vehicle wraps won the opportunity to sticker the sides of four large trailers for Pepsi co. They had purchased two of our 5 Step 18” X-Decks as well as a 10′ plank with a handrail at a regional trade show. With the two units and the plank, they could quickly set up over 30′ of elevated walkway to safely and easily do the job. When they arrived on site at Pepsi, they set up their X-Decks and got to work. After the job, the head safety guy for that location came out and told them that they had hired dozens of different graphics companies over the years, but this was the first time a company showed up with actual safety equipment. Because of the use of safety equipment they were awarded the contract for the entire fleet of over 400 trailers. The husband and wife owners of the business were so excited they called us up to tell us the story and to purchase 3 more sets of X-Decks and connecting planks.
The X-Deck is extremely popular with aircraft, helicopter, and aviation mechanics. The largest US helicopter maintenance company that works on Robi
nson and Bell helicopters contracted out for most hospitals is a heavy user of the X-Deck safety work platform. At the recent Heli-Expo in Louisville KY we had dozens of maintenance workers approach us and let us know that their lives are significantly better working off of an X-Deck because at the end of the day they are not as fatigued as they had been working off of the bakers scaffold and traditional scaffolding they once had.
This goes hand in hand with a report given to us by the largest military jet manufacturer in the USA. Their Ergonomics and Safety department wrote up a report that there was a 25% reduction in fatigue compared to working off of concrete or steel. The reason for this is the deck of the X-Deck has a little flex and it feels like you are standing on comfort padding. This slight flex is very comfortable for the worker that has to stand up on the work stand for hours on end. At the end of the workers shift, the worker is not going to feel the leg, knee, and back pains they would of felt if they had stood on solid concrete, steel, bakers scaffolding, or any type of ladder.
Another ergonomic benefit to using the X-Deck is it allows the user to comfortably move around once up in the air. They can shuffle their feet, stretch their legs, or otherwise move around. A great feature to the X-Deck is its ability to hold multiple workers at the same time. Because of this, a worker does not have to strain themselves, but rather can get help and have multiple hands on their job at hand.
The X-Deck allows the worker to maintain three points of contact when ascending or descending the stairs. If a worker was to be up in the air and hurt their hand it is still possible to walk up and down the X-Deck hands free. This is impossible to do on any other type of scaffolding – bakers or otherwise.
Comes fully assembled and ready to use from day one.
Setting up handrails and outriggers are done in an instant.
You can safely walk up the rungs on the side or the end of the platform.
Amazing accessories that allow it to get into areas $40,000 Genie lifts cannot.
Baker Scaffolding
Every time it is used it must be assembled and inspected.
Must climb straight up and then dangerously step over the side rail.
Manual states that if you weigh more than 200 lbs you are not allowed to climb up outside ladder if your body gets more than 6″ away from the ladder.
Unstable – Out riggers must be used for safety unlike the X-Deck that has a non tip design.
Any accessories are not as amazing.
We also have the brand new Nuclear Model X-Deck that was designed for the nuclear energy market to make securing it for seismic reasons very quick and easy.
The X-Deck is often used for photographers and videography. The X-Deck is lighter than a ladder so it is easier to carry around. Plus it allows the photographer or videographer to stand comfortably on an elevated platform. Bill Dance’s videographer uses his X-Deck on the fishing boat as it is driving around. The X-Deck even on a rocking boat will not tip and makes getting the shot easy as possible.
Photography is great on an X-Deck, because you can get the shot above the crowd. Photographers will often use a tripod or monopod when working off of an X-Deck. The X-Deck is very comfortable to stand on – so if you are watching an entire football game – you will feel comfortable on the deck of an X-Deck. Live action sports shooting requires a stand that is easy to move around, allows you freedom to move around on the work stand platform capturing your shot safely, and strong enough for multiple people and equipment.
We have even had large sports networks buy the 5-36 to set it up in front of a crowd of people and have their announcers sit on top of the deck of the work stand. We have seen up to 4 people in chairs and a small table set up on the deck of an X-Deck. This reduces set up time, because prior to this, they would have to set up scaffolding an entire day in advance. Now they can get to the game and set up in minutes.
Hollywood and film crews have used the X-Deck to get shots above a crowd. The X-Deck is a great tool for jobs on the move, because the X-Deck can fold flat for easy storage. If you have a truck or a van, the X-Deck can easily fit in the back.
We have had news crews use the X-Deck safety work platform to get photographs at news events.
The X-Deck has been popular for outdoor star parties. We have had owners of dobsonian and newtonian telescopes purchase the X-Deck for climbing up and looking down the eye piece. The great thing is the X-Deck is light enough to easily carry or put in a small trailer. Once you get to where you are going, the X-Deck pops open in seconds and you can comfortably stand on the ladder platform for hours on end. Since the X-Deck can hold multiple people you and your friends can take turns looking down the eye piece of your telescope. The X-Deck works great in soft wet ground and because of the wider base than the top it will not tip over even in a field that isn’t flat.
We are pleased to announce that we are introducing new models to the X-Deck product line. The new 28″ X-Decks will bridge the gap between the 18″ and 36″ models. The deck will be one solid deck instead of two decks like on the 36″ work platforms.
People have been using step ladders for hundreds of years and people have been falling off of ladders for hundreds of years. Ladders have historically and continue to be the greatest cause of workplace and home related injuries. Ladders are also a major contributor to workers back pain and permanent back damage. With dozens of safer options on the market, Canada’s CSA has begun recommending some of those options to Canadian companies. OSHA also has these same concerns and is following this trend.
Each year the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) collects work-related injury and illness data from employers. This data collection is called the OSHA Data Initiative or ODI.
15% of all work related fatalities are the result of falls (stats.bls.gov).
Slips and falls from step ladders have resulted in the greatest number of missed work days annually since 2002.
Workers over 35 are the most susceptible to injuries and the chance of injury increases with each decade.
Two-thirds of hospitalized injury incidents due to falls from ladders resulted in fractures.
Even with ladders being the number one cause of workplace injury, ladders still cause more injuries at home.
The rate of injurious falls from ladders in 2004–05 was 18.5 per 100,000 population. (http://www.nisu.flinders.edu.au/pubs/reports/2007/injcat105.pdf)
Scaffolding has been proven to be a safer option and practice. Following proper scaffolding procedure is important in reducing workplace injuries. Tagging and inspecting scaffolding is already required in the workplace.
Many companies have already started banning step ladder use. These companies, adhering to OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) with progressive safety programs, are leading the way to reduce the risk of these work related injury.
Best Practice:
For low level applications Canada’s CSA program has recommended the X-Deck safety work platform as a best practice over step ladders. The X-Deck provides all the safety without the need to be tagged and inspected like traditional scaffolding, yet it offers all the speed and portability of a ladder. (See www.safeplatforms.com)
For high level applications, tube and clamp scaffolding has been proven and, with proper tagging and inspecting, is a safe practice. (See www.safway.com)
Scaffolding or the X-Deck will always be a safer option over ladders and these options should be used 100% of the time.
When you buy an X-Deck you know that the product has been tested and is certified to meet applicable standards for safety and performance.
With multiple dealers across continents and countries, the X-Deck has all the needed paperwork and testing required. Be it CSA, CE, OSHA, ANSI or any other certification the X-Deck is built to last and perform to its advertised safety and performace standards.
Amateur telescope makers are loving the X-Deck safety work platform to get up and view their eyepieces that can be up to 10FT. off the ground. The X-Deck is getting a lot of interest from guys who have built Dobsonian Telescopes. One of the fun things about using the X-Deck for this type of viewing is the fact that since the X-Deck is height adjustable the star gazer can choose to stand or sit while looking through his telescope. This makes the X-Deck an observation stand that will allow an individual to be enclosed in a cage if they choose or even have a few people up on their stand to look out of their large aperture telescope!
Another benefit to choosing an X-Deck for use next to your high-performance telescope is that you will be using this at night and ladders are not as safe as the safety award winning X-Deck. This will also be more comfortable, because who would choose to stand on a rung of a ladder for a few hours vs standing on a large deck where you can move around or even have a chair.
Amateur astronomers will love how portable the X-Decks are. For star gazing outdoor events the X-Deck will bring a lot of attention and it will make your whole set up impressive.
This makes the X-Deck a must have for true Deep-sky observers.
Introducing an exciting new development for the SafeTec work platforms – THE OMNI WHEEL!
The Omni Wheel is exciting because a common complaint people had with the standard wheel kits on the X-Deck safety work platforms was the fact that the wheels only went in one direction. This would mean that when you were pushing the portable platform and had to corner you would need to pick up one end of the X-Deck and then move the X-Deck before continuing.
The great thing about the Omni Wheel is that you can spin the X-Deck 360°! You can corner, push the X-Deck sideways or even diagonally!
New Omni Wheel designs are in the works to make Omni Wheels available for every different model.
Currently the Omni Wheels work best on hard smooth surfaces.
This is just another example of how the X-Deck safety work platforms are by far a safer solution than step ladders and a smarter quicker solution over standard scaffolding.
Below is a non-commercial video made by a customer:
Does your baker’s scaffold, or adjustable work platform have an operator’s manual or instructional manual that has this label real big on the front cover?
The X-Deck does not have any of these labels!
One of the biggest problems with different kinds of telescoping scaffolding or other adjustable work platforms is the inherint danger in the product. Below I will list the traditional problems with this type of scaffolding in black and in blue will be the reasons that the X-Deck is better:
Traditional and other type of telescoping scaffolding requires complicated assembly that if not done properly may result in serious injury or death. Do you trust ALL your workers to ALWAYS properly assemble the scaffolding?
The X-Deck on the other hand is always assembled and thus eliminates the inherint danger.
On other scaffolding you have to make sure after you properly assemble the scaffold that you use the outriggers, because if you forget to slide them into place and use the scaffold it is likely to tip over. Also, because you are assembling this type of scaffold you might lose the outriggers all together.
The X-Deck on the other hand works great up to a 10 degree pitch (Which is almost all workplace or outside terrain.) at which point we have leg extenders that will allow you to use the X-Deck at these steeper angles.
Another problem with these telescoping work platforms is that the are always on casters. This causes the worker some additional worries, because if they forgot to lock the wheels in place the scaffold could roll off with them in it OR when they are working and they need to push on something they will roll backwards!
The X-Deck does not have these problems, because of our innovative wheel kits a worker cannot even walk up the X-Deck without automatically locking the wheels and becoming stationary on the grippy rubber feet.
Another problem with these adjustable work platforms is that you still have to climp up the outside. This makes carrying tools difficult and also a serious fall danger if their foot slips or they lose their grip. This is why scaffolding is so dangerous!!
The X-Deck eliminates these problems with the fact that you can walk up the rungs often hands free, because the steps are so wide and comfortable. The X-Deck also gives you many options for places to hold while walking up. This is the biggest difference… On other scaffolding you have to CLIMB UP, but on the X-Deck you only need to WALK UP!!
Remember, everyone makes mistakes. When you add the human element you add the chance for error. Even the best worker can forget a bolt or an outrigger when they are setting up other types of scaffolding. With the X-Deck though you can eliminate all these worries.
SafeTec is proud to support Dustin Kelm for his unishow. Dustin Kelm is an amazing unicyclist and public speaker. He is able to capture the attention of the crowd with his story all the while balancing himself on his unicycle.
You will also notice that dustin uses the X-Deck for his performances. He sets them up at different heights and then uses the planks to connect them together as he rides up from one to another.
Dustin Kelm jumping off of unicycle
You can book Dustin to come speak to your local school or church by contacting him on his website. www.unishow.org
Accidents are more expensive than most people realize because of the hidden costs. Some costs are obvious — for example, Workers’ Compensation claims which cover medical costs and indemnity payments for an injured or ill worker. These are the direct costs of accidents.
But what about the costs to train and compensate a replacement worker, repair damaged property, investigate the accident and implement corrective action, and to maintain insurance coverage? Even less apparent are the costs related to schedule delays, added administrative time, lower morale, increased absenteeism, and poorer customer relations. These are the indirect costs — costs that aren’t so obvious until we take a closer look.
Studies show that the ratio of indirect costs to direct costs varies widely, from a high of 20:1 to a low of 1:1. OSHA’s approach is shown here and says that the lower the direct costs of an accident, the higher the ratio of indirect to direct costs.
OSHA’s Ratio of Indirect to Direct Costs
OSHA’s Ratio of Indirect to Direct Costs
Source: Business Roundtable, Improving Construction Safety Performance: A Construction Industry Cost Effectiveness Project Report, Report A-3, January, 1982.
The more accidents that occur in a workplace, the higher the costs — both in increased insurance premiums and greater indirect costs.
To help assess the impact of occupational injuries and illnesses on your profitability, try out OSHA’s “$afety Pays” Program. It uses a company’s profit margin, the average cost of an injury or illness, and the indirect cost multiplier to project the number of sales you would need to cover those costs. Also, use a worksheet to help determine the costs of injuries and illnesses and their impact on your business operations.
ndirect to Direct Costs
